Still, this is hopefully as advertised and simply a "sore" lower back. Butler is an important player for the Clippers, especially as a defender on the wing, and a lengthy absence would be costly.

For the season, Butler is averaging 10 points, an assist and 2.9 rebounds in 24.4 minutes per game.

The injuries have taken their toll. Coming into Sunday's contest, the Clippers had lost four of five games and eight of 11.

Despite the recent run of poor play, the Clippers are still 35-17 and currently in third place in the Western Conference.

I would imagine this injury would be a day-to-day situation with Butler and wouldn't cost him anything more than a game, if that. The major concern is that this will be a nagging injury that will continue to limit him going forward, but for now it's simply a sore back.

For a team desperately trying to return to its winning ways earlier in the season, it's an all-hands-on-deck situation.